CLASS IS NOW IN SESSION: The YMCA’s yoga class earned a coveted 10/10 for its simple stretches, but powerful movements and tranquil environment.

Being a Thomasville native, I often find myself going to the same restaurants, ordering the same coffee drinks and doing the same activities over and over again.

I want to get out of my small town rut, so this summer, I’m challenging myself to go try new things at the same places I’ve been going to for nearly twenty years.

Whether it’s a seasonal coffee, a new exercise class or a staff favorite I’ve never tried off the menu, I’ll be reviewing it. This is the third entry of “Trying Thomasville.”

Once a week, I’ll be trying different foods, beverages and activities in town. If you have any suggestions or know about any hidden gems, let me know!

YMCA Yoga

When I’m at school, one of my favorite things to do is attend yoga classes. My friends and I take hot power flow and Pilates classes at least twice a week at a local Athens studio. I’ve found that it’s a great way to relax your body and mind, while also getting a good workout in.

Lately I’ve been going through yoga withdrawals at home, since I’m not a member of any local studios and paused my Athens membership for the summer. However, the other day, I remembered I’m a member of the YMCA.

Out of curiosity, I called and asked if they hosted any yoga classes, and to my avail, they told me they host multiple different classes throughout the day. I was initially disappointed to hear they didn’t have any heated classes, but after walking out of the South Georgia heat and into the air conditioned studio, I had no complaints whatsoever.

I took their basic yoga class taught by Joanne Thomas, a local wellness instructor and Thomasville Center for the Arts employee. I took my mother, who is athletic, but has never tried yoga. I wanted to see how the class was for both beginners and seasoned yogis.

Upon arrival, we were met with a friendly group who seemed to already know each other. They were extremely welcoming and accommodated us in every way possible. Before the class began, Thomas announced some feats and accomplishments in their class and the Thomasville community, already starting on an uplifting note.

The class was a basic flow, with moves that were simple, yet challenging at times. I felt at ease and stretched after the first ten minutes. The room was filled with candles, along with sunlight, and the peaceful music was so relaxing I almost fell asleep during periods of rest.

I felt myself using muscles I hadn’t in weeks and, today, I am admittedly a bit sore. Even without any heat, I felt my heart rate was raised and my body was in flowing motion nearly the whole class. Each part of my body, from my fingertips, to my neck, felt stretched and worked on.

It was definitely beginner-friendly. My mother, who liked saying she’d break her back if she ever tried yoga, finished the class feeling fully-stretched and able. No broken back.

She said she’d even do it again, and I felt the same way. I definitely plan on going more this summer, since I felt it was extremely adequate to what I’m used to and a great quality class, especially considering we were at the YMCA, not a yoga studio.

Whether or not you want to just beat the Georgia heat or want to practice basic yoga—first time or seasoned yogi—I recommend attending Thomas’ class.

I give this class a 10/10.

It was a simple, yet relaxing and engaging class. I felt the instructor was knowledgeable and well-practiced, the movements were great and the environment was welcoming and peaceful.